The shareholders of a Swindon-headquartered IT and digital transformation consultancy, known for its work with renowned global companies and PLCs such as easyJet, the AA, and Currys, have expressed their delight in selling the company to their senior management team.
Founders Jeff Motto and Israr Chaudry, who established Leading Resolutions 21 years ago, aimed to ensure the ongoing success of the business by securing capable hands for its future growth upon their retirement.
Leading Resolutions’ chief executive officer, Pete Smyth, and chief operating officer, Sheila Bryant, spearheaded the management buyout (MBO). Motto and Chaudry engaged corporate finance specialists Watersheds in 2020 to assist with succession and exit planning. Following extensive preparations during the pandemic, Watersheds proposed a potential MBO backed by private equity as the optimal exit strategy.
Shareholder Jeff Motto expressed his thoughts, stating, “We take immense pride in what we have accomplished at Leading Resolutions over the past 21 years and felt that now is the right time to make this decision. Selecting the right partner to support such a significant milestone for our personal lives and the company was crucial. We engaged Watersheds with confidence that they would deliver the desired outcome, and they certainly did.”
“During a time of economic uncertainty when international M&A activities appeared to be dampened, Watersheds provided valuable market insights and guidance. Leveraging their strong network relationships and unwavering commitment to generating strong interest in the business, we believe we have achieved the best possible outcome.”
Motto further commended Watersheds’ expertise in structuring, negotiation, and managing the process, ensuring that all parties were aligned and resulting in a smooth fundraising experience for the management team. He expressed delight in the support provided by Watersheds throughout the journey.
Motto also acknowledged the exceptional talent and dedication of the management team and expressed confidence in the capable hands of Pete Smyth, Sheila Bryant, and the entire management team, under whose leadership the company now thrives. He extended well wishes to them and their backers, NVM, for a successful future.
Wendy Lam, partner at Watersheds, emphasised that business owners often underestimate the potential of their own management team to acquire the company and lack knowledge of the financing process involved.
“As part of our value-added services in succession planning, we bring potential private equity firms to the table while advising owners on making their business ‘sale ready’ to instill confidence in potential investors,” explained Wendy Lam.
She acknowledged the complexities of conducting a successful MBO with private equity support, especially for those without extensive experience. Lam expressed satisfaction in assisting with navigating the challenging path of balancing the needs of shareholders, the management team, and NVM, managing the entire process from start to finish. The final outcome proved mutually beneficial for all parties involved, ensuring Leading Resolutions’ promising future.
Leading Resolutions received investment from NVM Private Equity, with legal advice provided by Gardner Leader and HCR.
